Arsenal’s Declan Rice is set to captain England against Belgium on Tuesday night, with the midfielder taking on the armband for the first time.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate confirmed on Monday night that Declan Rice will captain England in their friendly against Belgium on Tuesday.

With Harry Kane currently absent from the international break with a minor injury, the armband was up for grabs, and Rice will take it for the first time on the international stage.

The Arsenal 25-year-old certainly seemed pleased to get the opportunity to lead his country.

“[I’m] speechless, to be honest with you,” Rice said. “I’m absolutely lost for words.

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“When [Southgate] said to me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand, and said ‘thank you very much’.

“I owe him a lot. Since I’ve first come into the team, he’s always made me feel at home, I’ve always felt so comfortable playing under him. I’ve really grown in confidence.

“On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley (as captain), in front of my family, my friends, it’s an absolute honour.”

SKOPJE, MACEDONIA - NOVEMBER 20: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Ollie Watkins of England sing their national anthem prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between North Macedonia and England at National Arena Todor Proeski on November 20, 2023 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
SKOPJE, MACEDONIA: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Ollie Watkins of England sing their national anthem prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between North Macedonia and England at National Arena Todor Proeski on November 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

“I love leading and being captain,” Rice continued. “It’s a real honour.

“There’s only been a certain amount of people that have captained England. It’s a one-off game, but to be able to put the armband on, it will be really special.”

This won’t be the first time Rice has ever captained a senior football team, having worn the armband for a few years with West Ham United. But with Arsenal, Martin Odegaard is captain.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Martin Odegaard after his team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Martin Odegaard after his team’s victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

One thing Rice has admitted he’s not looking forward to is the team talk, revealing that Kieran Trippier messed his talk up previously.

“Harry always speaks, then the other night it was (Kyle) Walker,” Rice explained.

“(Kieran) Trippier before – when he was captain – did a funny speech and messed it up and everyone started laughing so I know there is going to be a bit of pressure on me.

“But I’ll keep it short and sweet before the game…make sure everyone’s on it and make sure everyone knows what’s at stake tomorrow night.”

In terms of ‘what’s at stake’, the game is technically just a friendly, but with England having lost to Brazil at the weekend and with so few games to play before the European Championships this summer, the team need to get back on track on Tuesday night.

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